Happy Howl-oween!
We hope you enjoyed last month's edition of the IdaBoss newsletter! Thank you to those who provided feedback and suggestions; we love to hear it, so keep it coming!
The spooktacular month of October is upon us, and I am here for it! If only it were acceptable for adults to trick or treat *sigh*. No doubt those of you with little humans will still get to indulge in whatever goodies they bring home. Just remember to keep them out of reach from our furry friends! It's also an occasion to get pet costumes, and although it's fun for humans, it isn't always for our pets, so please be kind and not force them to wear something they are uncomfortable with or scared of for your amusement.
We value your feedback and suggestions, so let us know via our social media channels or our website's 'Get in Touch' Form - https://www.idabossdogtraining.com.au/
Thanks for reading, and good luck with your positive-force free training!
Sophie
October 2023 Puppy Preschool Graduates
Can we all give a HUGE round of appaws for this month's puppy grads, their humans and our incredible Trainers who have put in four weeks of training to set these pups up for success on their journey into doggy adulthood. Great job, and good luck!
🎓🎓 Bruno, Onyx, Geoffrey, Tonka, Cindy-Lou, Kobe, Koda and Murphy! 🎓🎓
Paws for thought
One of our Lead Trainers, Liz, produced a beautiful write-up telling us why she loves dogs, and we just HAD to share it with you all! Thank you so much, Liz!
"Why I love dogs
Dogs teach us unconditional love. If we are not in a great head space, a dog will not judge.
We reap what we sow when it comes to dogs. If a dog feels the security and dedication a human puts in, they will respond with faith and loyalty. Some dogs are more challenging to get to know or respond to general training practices. Dogs are so special. They are all individual like each of us, and it's up to us as humans to learn and tap into what makes a dog tick.
Treating all dogs positively, calmly, and nurturing will only bring great results. The relationship between a dog and their human is significant to the health and well-being of both. It also lays the foundations for a happy, well-mannered pooch that can enjoy every part of family life."
Trainer’s Tips – Puppy biting
There is nothing quite like the happiness and joy of bringing home a new puppy. As humans, we sometimes get so caught up in the arrival of the latest fur family member that we tend to miss out on the research part. Puppies require a lot of care, and before taking the plunge, we must consider our circumstances, such as ensuring a puppy is suitable for our lifestyle, working hours, property type, and existing furry or human household members. More importantly, we ensure we can provide them with the best level of care, meet their needs and set behavioural foundations.
The most common behaviour we often hear about is "biting". Although puppies navigate the world by using their mouth, there are other reasons our adorable, four-legged razors enjoy sinking their teeth into everything:
· Breed
· Playfulness - Littermates naturally bite during play.
· Needs - lack of rest, enrichment, play, exercise, food, toilet breaks.
· Teething.
· Pain.
· Needs recharge time
From day one of our pup’s arrival, it's vital we start as we mean to go on and manage their mouthing and biting behaviour. Is it normal? Of course, they are dogs at the end of the day! Can it be prevented? The answer is YES; however, like all unwanted behaviour, it's down to the amount of effort and work we put into teaching them. See our tips below in setting up your new arrival for success:
#1 Avoid encouraging unwanted behaviour - Not using hands, feet, or hair during play. Children tend to demonstrate this when playing with pups. However, doing so reinforces an unwanted behaviour that could lead to injury.
#2 Teach bite inhibition - If too much bite pressure is applied by your puppy, disengage from the activity. Stopping playtime will reinforce that no fun occurs if they bite too hard. If they are playing and not biting, you MUST reward them, reinforcing our desired behaviour!
#3 Chew exchange - Exchange items they are NOT allowed to chew with a toy or item they ARE permitted. During teething stages, you may wish to use puppy-friendly frozen goods, which will not only provide enrichment but may also help soothe sore gums. Check with your vet or animal nutritionist on the most suitable for your pup.
#4 Meeting their needs - Think about your puppy's day. Did they have enough toilet breaks? Have they been fed enough and under puppy feeding guidelines for their age and weight? Did they have enough sleep? You have probably heard us say often, "Let sleeping dogs lie". In the case of a puppy, it's an absolute must! Puppies need up to 20 hours of sleep a day. It's crucial for their development. Have they been exercised? Like humans, they, too, need to release physical and mental energy. Remember to do their exercise routines sparingly. Just like babies, they're still developing and doing so could cause them to be injured. Enrichment activities. - sniffing, playtime, slow feeding meals to get that extraordinary mind working. Calm environment - A calm and safe space for our puppies (and dogs in general) helps teach them to rest. It also helps with managing their expectations with playtime, human mealtimes and if they want to take themselves away to recharge. When they do retreat to a safe or quiet space, it's important not to disturb them. They need their rest, and it encourages them to feel comfortable in their own company when humans or other pets are not around.
#5 Is your dog in pain? - As mighty as they may be, like babies, puppies are still developing, so we need to be careful when it comes to them running around, jumping on and off surfaces and playing with other dogs. As with all dogs, we must ensure their activities mirror their capabilities. When socialising dogs, especially puppies, our responsibility as owners is to ensure it is with dogs of a similar size, weight, and energy. If your puppy (or dog) is suddenly biting, showing teeth, or growling, especially when touched in a particular area, it may be a reaction to pain. Check with your vet if you are concerned.
Remember, you can also enrol your new puppies into our Puppy Preschool at North and Southside locations.
Unleash Adventure with IdaBoss Dog Training Group Walks
At IdaBoss Dog Training, we believe in making every walk with your canine companion an adventure, an opportunity to learn and bond, and an experience you both cherish. Our group walks are more than just a stroll in the park; they're a journey towards better understanding, stronger connections, and a healthier, happier life for you and your pup.
The Power of Group Walks
Our group walks are a key component of the IdaBoss Dog Training Membership, designed to provide you and your dog with an array of benefits. Here's why our group walks are so special:
🐾 Socialisation: Dogs are social creatures, and interacting with other dogs can be incredibly enriching. Our group walks offer a safe and supervised environment for your furry friend to meet and greet other pups, promoting positive socialisation.
🎓 Learning: Every walk is an opportunity for both you and your dog to learn. Under the guidance of our experienced trainers, you'll master essential skills like walking on a lead, engagement stations, and maintaining calm behavior in different environments.
🏞️ Exploration: Our walks take place in various locations, allowing your dog to experience different environments, from serene parks to tranquil lakesides. It's an exploration that enriches their senses and adds variety to their routine.
🌞 Fresh Air and Fun: Beyond learning and training, our group walks offer your dog a chance to soak up some fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors. These walks are not just about obedience but also about letting your pup be a dog and have fun!
The IdaBoss Dog Training Membership
When you become a member of the on-lead Group Walk, you gain access to up to six of these fantastic group walks every month. But that's not all; membership also includes exclusive tips and tricks on our blog and additional 1:1 training assistance. We're here to support you on your journey to having a well-behaved and happy furry companion. Plus we also like to give you a sneaky gift from time to time!
Join the Adventure
Don't miss out on the opportunity to join our vibrant community of dog lovers, dedicated to providing the best for their furry family members. IdaBoss Dog Training Membership is affordable at just $49.90 a month, with the flexibility to cancel at any time. We believe that every dog deserves a happy and fulfilling life, and our group walks are your ticket to achieving just that.
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